Vulvar Cancer: Newly Diagnosed

Being told you have vulvar cancer can be scary, and you may have many questions. But you have people on your healthcare team to help.

Coping with fear

It’s normal to feel afraid. Learning more about your cancer and about the treatment options you have can make you feel less afraid. This also helps you work with your healthcare team and make the best choices for your treatment.

Working with your healthcare team

Your healthcare team will likely include:

• Gynecologist. This is a doctor who specializes in the health and diseases of the female reproductive system.

• Gynecologic oncologist. This is a doctor who treats cancers in the organs of the female reproductive system, including the vulva, using surgery and medicines.

• Medical oncologist. This is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with chemotherapy and other medicines.

• Radiation oncologist. This is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with radiation.

They will answer any questions you may have. They’ll help you through each of the steps you’ll take before, during, and after treatment. Your team will let you know what tests you need and the results of those tests. They’ll guide you in making treatment decisions. They’ll also help prepare you and your loved ones for what’s ahead.

Learning about treatment options

To decide the best course of treatment for you, your healthcare team needs to know as much as they can about your cancer. This may mean getting tests and working with more than one healthcare provider. And you may decide that you want to get a second opinion to help you choose the treatment that's best for you. Your team can help you with this.

Getting support

Coping with cancer can be very stressful. Talk with your healthcare team about seeing a counselor. They can refer you to someone who can help. You can also visit support groups to talk with other people coping with cancer. Ask your healthcare team about support groups and services near you.